2026 World Cup Draw: Skift’s Guide to Who’s Playing Where and the Tourism Impact

Key Points

• The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, will be held in 16 cities with significant tourism expectations.
• Visa and travel restrictions, as well as long wait times for U.S. entry, may impact international fan attendance, especially from countries affected by travel bans.
• Short-term rental demand and hotel prices in host cities are rising ahead of the tournament, but a major booking surge is expected after the match draw.

Summary

The article covers the tourism implications of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada across 16 cities. The World Cup draw on December 5 will determine match locations, driving international travel and demand for accommodations. While host cities anticipate a major influx of visitors, challenges such as visa restrictions, travel bans, and lengthy visa wait times may limit attendance from some countries. Demand for short-term rentals and hotels is already increasing, with further surges expected after the draw reveals the full match schedule.